Over the last several years, weddings have evolved from a traditional event into a celebration of love that is unique to every couple. Maybe you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement, maybe you want the classic big-day moment, or maybe you’re living in that perfect middle ground. Whatever your vibe is, there’s a wedding style that matches it. I’m breaking down five of the most common wedding styles so you can see which one might be the right fit for you!
1. The Classic
When you think of a traditional wedding, you think of a ceremony and reception with the same guest list with that familiar, structured timeline. This is what I call the “classic” wedding. Couples often choose this style of wedding to follow the tradition, to keep it simple, or because they love the idea of everyone celebrating together from start to finish. This wedding style is the best way to involve all of your loved ones in the entire wedding day, from the walk down the aisle to the last dance of the night!
Classic weddings are also the easiest to customize without confusing anyone. You can lean into timeless details like florals, formal attire, plated dinners, and a full wedding party, or switch it up with unique ceremony readings, signature cocktails, a choreographed first dance, or fun late-night snacks. It’s a style that gives you structure without limiting your creativity.
2. The Elopement
Elopements have come a long way from the “run off and get married in secret” stereotype (read more here!) Today, an elopement is simply an intimate ceremony with just the two of you (or a tiny handful of guests) anywhere you want—your hometown, a mountaintop, a beach, a city hall, or even a destination you’ve always dreamed of. Couples choose this style for the intimacy, the spontaneity, or the ability to focus completely on each other without any pressure or production.
Elopements also let you splurge on the details that matter most to you, like stunning photography, an incredible outfit, or a bucket-list location. Eloping can also turn into an immediate honeymoon, since you and your spouse are already away from home together. Choosing an elopement as your wedding style is a great choice if you want to have a more personal, meaningful day with less stress and more freedom to create an experience you’ll never forget.
3. The Destination
Like I said before, elopements can be destination events, but the biggest difference is scale. A destination wedding is perfect for couples who want their wedding to double as a vacation—for themselves and for their guests. This style usually involves traveling to a meaningful or scenic location, with most guests staying for the weekend (or longer). Most commonly, couples choose tropical resorts, historic cities, mountain towns, or even spots that hold sentimental value.
While, yes, destination weddings can be pricy—for you and for your guests—there are several things you can forgo from a traditional wedding budget. You don’t need nearly as much décor, since the scenery is already the perfect backdrop. Destination weddings also usually mean a smaller guest list, which lowers costs for food and beverage, invitations, and seating rentals. Many couples who choose a destination wedding also skip a full wedding party, so no bouquets for your bridesmaids or extra hair and makeup services. And no need to pay for a separate honeymoon, either… you’re already there! You can continue staying at the same resort or hop over to another nearby spot.
With the money you’re saving in those areas, you can go all-out with welcome parties, group excursions, pool days, or intimate rehearsal dinners that feel like little mini-events of their own.
4. The Backyard
Backyard weddings are cozy, personal, and full of charm, whether they’re simple and sweet or completely decked out with luxe rentals and fancy tents. There’s something special about getting married in a meaningful location, like a family home or a place you spent time growing up. Couples love this style for the intimacy, nostalgia, and the freedom to create a layout that fits their vibe.
With backyard weddings, you can customize everything: ceremony setup, lounge areas, food trucks, string lights, fire pits, even bringing in your favorite local caterer. Just know that “backyard” doesn’t always mean simple; you may need to rent generators, bathrooms, tents, or flooring depending on the space. But the payoff is a celebration that feels incredibly personal and unique.
There are limits, of course, with neighbors, parking, noise ordinances in residential areas, or even space limitations and the weather. However, the sentimental and homey feeling of the day makes it all worth it.
5. The Hybrid
Sometimes, having everyone present for the ceremony is just too much, but you still want the large guest list for the reception. Luckily, you can do just that! A hybrid wedding gives you the best of both worlds: a private, meaningful ceremony, sometimes with just immediate family, followed by a big celebratory reception later. Couples choose this when they want intimacy for the “I do,” but still want everyone they love involved in the fun. It’s also a great solution for venue limitations, timing issues, or couples who want to legally marry earlier but celebrate later.
This style opens the door for creative planning: a weekday ceremony and a weekend party, a courthouse marriage followed by a ballroom celebration, or an elopement-style ceremony paired with a huge dance-floor-heavy reception. And yes, it’s also the perfect excuse for multiple outfits.
At the end of the day, there’s no “right” way to get married. No matter what you’re imagining for your wedding day, choose what feels right for you, your relationship, and your goals. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, choose the kind of celebration that makes you excited to say “I do,” and the rest will fall into place.